Bloomsburg Softball Looks to Capture PSAC Title

Tara Reed

BLOOMSBURG- The Bloomsburg University softball team will look to win its 15th Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) title when it takes part in the PSAC Championships at Lock Haven University from May 4-6.

The Huskies, who clinched the PSAC East title last Saturday, have a first round bye and will take on the winner of Kutztown and California (PA) at 2 p.m. on Thursday. In the other first round game, Shippensburg will take on Indiana (PA), with the winner to face Lock Haven at 4 p.m. on Thursday. The tournament is a double-elimination format.

Ashley Lynn

Bloomsburg, the top seed out of the PSAC East, finished the regular season with a record of 35-13, 18-6 in the PSAC East. The Huskies are led by rookie sensation Tara Reed (Williamsport/ Williamsport) who has carried the team both offensively and on the mound. Reed leads the team in batting average (.355), doubles (10), RBI (30) and runs (39). On the mound, Reed is 14-4 with a 1.15 ERA and eight shutouts. She has struck out 142 batters in 121.2 innings pitched and has held opposing batters to a .174 batting average. Sophomore Ashley Lynn (Riverside/ Danville) has also been dominant on the mound this season. Lynn leads the Huskies with 16 wins and has a 1.41 ERA.

Offensively, co-captain Alyson Taylor (Jersey Shore/ Jersey Shore) has provided much of the pop for the Huskies. Her 10 home runs lead the team and rank fourth in the PSAC. Stacey Krupiewski (Trooper/ Methacton) (.300 BA, 3 HR, 26 RBI) and Lisa Bohner (Northumberland/ Shikellamy) (.310 BA, 5 HR, 26 RBI) are also key members of the Huskies lineup.

Shippensburg, 36-16, 17-7 in the PSAC East, is the number two seed out of the PSAC East. They are led by pitcher Kelly Tiesi who ranks second in the PSAC in both ERA (0.58) and wins (22). Offensively, Heather Chantiles leads the PSAC with a .508 batting average and is second with 47 runs scored.

Kutztown 30-15, 16-8 in the PSAC East, is the number three seed out of the East. The Golden Bears bring a potent offense with five starters who are hitting above .300. Stephanie Denlinger leads the team with a .385 average and is tied for PSAC lead with 16 home runs.

Lock Haven, the top seed out of the West, finished the regular season 43-3, 20-0 in the PSAC West. The Lady Eagles have dominated the Western Division this year, going undefeated in conference play. They come into the tournament, winners of 32 consecutive games. They are led by pitcher Kristen Erb who leads the PSAC in several pitching categories. For the season she is 24-0 and has 0.13 ERA. Offensively, Courtney Hughes is batting .446 and leads the PSAC with 16 home runs and 53 RBI.

The number two seed out of the West is California (PA). California finished the regular season 23-13 overall and 13-7 in the PSAC West. Becky Mezyk has carried the team both offensively and on the mound. She is 13-5 with a 2.16 ERA and is batting .304 with three home runs and 24 RBI.

IUP, 21-18, 12-8 in the PSAC West is the number three seed out West. Jodie Swavely is hitting a team leading .370 with nine home runs and 27 RBI. She is also the Indians top pitcher with a 14-10 record and a 1.56 ERA.

Tickets for each day of the tournament are $7.00 for adults and $2.00 for students while an all-tournament pass can be purchased for $18.00 for adults and $5.00 for students.